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Development of a Low-Cost Prototype System for Pipeline Operational and Vandalism Spillage Detection and Validation Framework
Get PDFCrude oil spillage is a major challenge in Nigeria. It affects the environment, health, life, and livelihood of residents of the Niger Delta region, where oil is explored, processed, and transported via a network of pipelines. Oil spillage is primarily caused by vandalization/sabotage and operational issues such as corrosion, equipment failure, operation, and maintenance errors. Thus, prompt response is required to mitigate the impact of oil spills. In this study, we deployed low-cost Arduino systems, including sensors (vibration and flow), modules (GPS and Wifi) and an IoT platform (ThingSpeak) to detect spillage caused by vandalism and operational inefficiencies proactively. The results demonstrate that low-cost sensors can detect changes in the flow volume between the inflow and outflow attributable to spillage, and vibration shocks caused by vandalism can be detected and linked to the cause of the spillage and communicated in real time to inform response action. Moreover, we proposed a framework for field validation utilizing KoboToolBox (a crowdsourcing/citizen science platform). The prototype system designed and programmed showed promising results, as it could detect spillage for vandalism and operational scenarios in real-time, quantify the volume of spillage, and identify the location and time of spillage occurrence; indicators relevant for response planning to minimize the impact of oil spillage. A video demonstration of the prototype system developed is accessible via: https://youtu.be/wKa9MZvYf1w
Attentional Disengagement Differences in Young Children with Autism: A Comparative Eye-movement Study Using Static and Dynamic Stimuli
No full textImmigrant women’s and families’ views and experiences of routine postnatal care: findings from a qualitative evidence synthesis
Get PDFBackground: Uptake of postnatal care (PNC) is low and inequitable in many countries, and immigrant women may experience additional challenges to access and effective use. As part of a larger study examining the views of women, partners, and families on routine PNC, we analysed a subset of data on the specific experiences of immigrant women and families. Methods: This is a subanalysis of a larger qualitative evidence synthesis. We searched MEDLINE, PUBMED, CINAHL, EMBASE, EBM-Reviews and grey literature for studies published until December 2019 with extractable qualitative data with no language restrictions. For this analysis, we focused on papers related to immigrant women and families. Two reviewers screened each study independently; inclusion was agreed by consensus. Data abstraction and quality assessment were carried out using a study-specific extraction form and established quality assessment tools. Study findings were identified using thematic analysis. Findings are presented by confidence in the finding, applying the GRADE-CERQual approach. Findings: We included 44 papers, out of 602 full-texts, representing 11 countries where women and families sought PNC after immigrating. All but one included immigrants to high-income countries. Four themes were identified: resources and access, differences from home country, support needs, and experiences of care. High confidence study findings included: language and communication challenges; uncertainty about navigating system supports including transportation; high mental health, emotional, and informational needs; the impact of personal resources and social support; and the quality of interaction with healthcare providers. These findings highlight the importance of care experiences beyond clinical care. More research is also needed on the experiences of families migrating between low-income countries. Conclusions: Immigrant families experience many challenges in getting routine PNC, especially related to language, culture, and communication. Some challenges may be mitigated by improving comprehensive and accessible information on available services, as well as holistic social support. Trial registration number: CRD42019139183
Pre-publication abstract-only reports compared to full-text manuscripts for randomised controlled trials in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review
Get PDFIntroduction: RCTs of key therapies in IBD are often presented and available as abstracts for significant periods of time prior to full publication, often being employed to make strategic and clinical prescribing decisions. We compared the concordance of pre-publication abstract-only reports and their respective full-text manuscripts.
Methods: Pairs of full-text manuscripts and their respective pre-publication abstract-only reports for the same RCT outcomes, at the same timepoint of analysis were included. The RCTs were on treatments for IBD with full-text manuscripts published between 2010-2023.
Results: We found 77 pairs of full-text manuscripts and their pre-publication abstract-only reports. There were significant mis-matches in the reporting of; stated planned outcomes (65/77 matched, p<0.001), and primary outcomes reported in their results sections (67/77, p<0.001); trial registrations (34/65, p<0.001); numbers of randomised participants (49/77, p=0.18); participants reaching end of study (21/71, p<0.001); and primary outcome data (40/73, p<0.001). Authors conclusions matched (75/77, p=0.157). Authors did not provide explicit or implied justifications for the absence or non-concordance for any of the above items.
Conclusions: Abstract-only reports have consistent issues with both limited reporting of key information and significant differences in data when compared with their later full-text publications. These are not related to further recruitment of patients or word count limitations, and are never explained. As abstracts are often used in guidelines, reviews and stakeholder decision making on prescribing, caution in their use is strongly suggested. Further work is needed to enhance minimum reporting standards in abstract-only works and ensure consistency with final published papers.
What is already known on this topic – Data from abstract-only reports of RCTs are often used as evidence sources for clinical and strategic decision-making in IBD. It is not known whether they are up to par for this purpose. What this study adds – Our findings suggest that abstract-only reports are often inconsistent in their reporting, compared with their respective full-text manuscripts, especially in areas such as flow of participants and primary outcome data. These are not related to further recruitment of patients or word count limitations, and are never explained. How this study might affect research, practice or policy – Caution is advised when abstract-only reports are used as evidence sources. Enhanced minimum reporting standards for abstract-only reports need to be employe
‘Looking Up’: Exploring Night Skies and Astro-Tourist Sensory Experiences
Get PDFWhat appears an eternal and unchanging night sky, many of the stars that sparkle have already died. Yet, when we look up, a transcendental astral experience awaits us as our senses attempt to capture our ethereal existence. However, exploring stargazing within the visitor economy and the ‘astro-tourist’ experience that draws upon sensory perceptions has hitherto been neglected. The aim of our conceptual chapter, therefore, is to address this gap within scholarship and to offer a theoretical blueprint that identifies the nature of astro-tourism and the parameters of astro-tourist experiences. This includes the significance of the senses and its interplay with spirituality, as well as dynamic placemaking between outer-space embodiment and existentialism. We argue astro-tourism relies less on physical places but on placelessness and specific sensory dimensions. Indeed, looking up at the night sky includes a tri-partite relationship between the dark, space, and the senses. It is these sensorial aspects that give significance to the astro-tourist experience and its out-of-this-world sensory-scape. In turn, by ‘looking up’ at the night sky and all its celestial wonders, it offers us an embodied tourist experience which can awaken a certain reverence, but the stars will forever remain inaccessible
Delivering medical leadership training through the Healthcare Leadership Academy: a four year analysiS
Get PDFBackground: Formal leadership training is typically targeted at senior health professionals. The Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA) was formed in 2016 to provide a leadership programme for students and early-career health professionals. This study analyses the effectiveness of the HLA scholarship programme as an intervention for improving interest in and preparing scholars for future leadership roles. Methods: Survey data was used to assess the effectiveness of the HLA Scholarship program in cultivating leadership development. Questions required either multiple-choice, free text, ranking or Likert scale (‘strongly agree’, ‘agree’, ‘neither agree nor disagree’, ‘disagree’, ‘strongly disagree) responses. Participants spanned six regions (London, Newcastle, Bristol, Belfast, Edinburgh, and Amsterdam) in four countries (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Netherlands). Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted, and insights were drawn from the open-ended survey questions using a leadership framework. Results: Seventy participants who underwent the course between 2016 and 2020 completed the questionnaire. Nearly all (99%) found that the training provided on the programme had equipped them to be more effective leaders, with 86% of respondents stating that they were more likely to take on leadership roles. Nearly all (97.1%) found the course to be either of good or very good quality. Nineteen insights were identified from free text responses that fitted under one of the four themes of the leadership framework: “optimising”, “resolving uncertainty”, “enhancing adaptability”, and “promulgating a vision”. Conclusions: Healthcare leadership is a non-negotiable component of healthcare delivery in the 21st Century. As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to be effective leaders confident and competent in navigating the increasingly complex systems within which we operate for the benefit of ourselves, colleagues, and patients. By accounting for known shortcomings and developing ameliorative measures, the HLA Scholarship programme addresses unmet needs in a structured manner to support effective long-term healthcare leadership development
Age-Related Differences in Physical Fitness and Performance on an "Ability Test" Among Firefighters
Get PDFThe study's primary objective was to examine the differences in body composition, abdominal strength, absolute and relative power, handgrip strength, one repetition maximum for squat and bench press, and the maximum count of push-up and sit-up repetitions executed within a minute across different age cohorts of firefighters. Furthermore, this study aimed to evaluate the age-related differences in firefighters' completion times on six firefighting tasks. Eighty-four male volunteer firefighters (age 33.79±6.97 years) were grouped into three age categories: 20-30 years, 31- 40 years, and 41-50 years, and underwent the aforementioned evaluations. One-way analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed that age exerts a statistically significant influence (p<0.001) on body fat percentage, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. Furthermore, age significantly affected the overall time of the ability test (p<0.001) and the duration required to accomplish each individual task (p<0.001). Additionally, age significantly affected abdominal strength, relative power (as measured by the step test), and the maximum count of push-up and sit-up repetitions performed within a minute. These outcomes support earlier research indicating an age-associated decrement in physical fitness parameters among firefighters. It is recommended that firefighters prioritize maintaining strength and endurance of the abdominal muscles, upper-body muscular endurance and a healthy body weight. The emphasis on specific muscular groups is essential for improving task performance within this profession
Stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases
Get PDFCardiovascular disease constitutes a noteworthy public health challenge characterized by a pronounced incidence, frequency, and mortality rate, particularly impacting specific demographic groups, and imposing a substantial burden on the healthcare infrastructure. Risk factors such as age, gender, and smoking contribute to the prevalence of fatal cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Current challenges in clinical practice involve medication complexities, the lack of a systematic decision-making approach, and prevalent drug therapy problems. Stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles stand as versatile entities with a unique molecular fingerprint, holding significant therapeutic potential across a spectrum of applications, particularly in the realm of cardio-protection. Their lipid, protein, and nucleic acid compositions, coupled with their multifaceted functions, underscore their role as promising mediators in regenerative medicine and pave the way for further exploration of their intricate contributions to cellular physiology and pathology. Here, we overview our current understanding of the possible role of stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in the clinical management of human cardiovascular pathologies